'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire': Sam Claflin confirmed as Finnick

It's official: British actor Sam Claflin will play Finnick Odair in "Catching Fire," the second movie in the "Hunger Games" franchise.

Lionsgate confirmed the casting -- which Zap2it first reported in July -- on Wednesday (Aug. 22). Finnick is a key player in "Catching Fire." The character is a former Hunger Games champion and now something of a Capitol celebrity who returns to compete in the Quarter Quell with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence).

Claflin was one of several contenders for the sought-after role -- Garrett Hedlund ("Tron: Legacy"), Lucas Till ("X-Men: First Class"), Trevor Donovan ("90210") and Armie Hammer ("The Social Network") were all reportedly on the short list, and a sizable number of fans were hoping "Glee's" Grant Gustin would land the role.

Word of Claflin's casting in the role, in fact, didn't sit well with a portion of the "Hunger Games" fandom (although others believe he'll do the role justice). His previous credits include "Snow White and the Huntsman" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."

"Catching Fire" is scheduled ot hit theaters in November 2013.

Now that it's official, how do you feel about the casting of Claflin as Finnick?